Sponsored
The golden fish – Nigeria
By Ambassador Anderson N. Madubike
I arrived in Canberra, Australia on 1 9th May 2022 to commence my tour of duty as the High Commissioner of Nigeria to the commonwealth of Australia, with concurrent accreditation to New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu.
During this period, the world was of course experiencing its largest disruption since World War Il in every facet of human endeavour, the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic has therefore caused damaging effects on economies and public life. While many countries in the world are facing severe dilemma and difficulties on revitalizing their national economies, developing economies most of whom are not particularly benefiting from the global economy are completely overwhelmed.
With this background on my mind, I set out to plan on how best to broaden the bilateral relations between Nigeria and Australia and the other nations in the Pacific Region. The fact is that trade relations with this region is negligible and much has to be done to improve this. One area that has developed probably independent of government is the education sector. Hundreds of thousands of Nigerian students are undergoing various programmes in many Universities around the world. Some on scholarship, while the vast majority are on private sponsorship.
I therefore thought that the first priority might be to strengthen educational collaboration between Nigeria and Australia. Australia’s educational system is highly developed as can be expected and Nigeria has a lot to learn and emulate. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics the education sector employs nearly 8% of Australian workers, it is the fourth largest export earner, after coal, iron ore and natural gas, bringing in around A$1 6 billion in 201 3/14 and up to A$40 billion in 2019. No wonder, the opportunities abound everywhere in the country and Nigerians continue to excel in them.
Having realized the paucity of information on the investment opportunities and incentives that exist in both countries, I therefore developed a plan of action on education amongst others, which I prefer to call ‘Partnership for Tomorrow’.
First, we have to note the challenges faced by our country on education, especially funding, then find a fulcrum through which we can connect the country with international sources of finance or support to protect and provide quality education for our teeming youths. That is a huge challenge.
However, at a primary level, I am creating linkages with many Australian universities including Torrens University Australia, Tafe Queensland, Australian National University, Charles Darwin University, University of New England etc.
Through strengthened collaboration and partnership with the Ehizua Education Hub, incidentally owned by a Nigerian, Mr. Mathias Ehizua, further partnerships are being developed with these institutions including the University of Technology Sydney, EMEA Kaplan Business School and others to attract direct foreign investment in education in Nigeria.
The idea is to encourage partnership with Nigerian universities to drive student and teacher exchanges, scholarship, training and exchange of best practices, joint research programmes and support. I am proud to say that these engagements are bearing some fruits.
Additionally, we are also working on a proposed partnership between the Nnamdi Azikiwe University and the University of New England in New South Wales. I am hoping that this will be tied up soon so that it can form the basis for other institutions to also benefit. The Enugu State University of Technology has also expressed interest in discussing a partnership agreement with any interested Australian University.
We need these sorts of collaboration to increase the capacity of our higher institutions especially as our country does not yet have a university ranking among the top 200 universities globally. With our size, economy, diaspora, international students, this is a misnomer.
Nigeria has the highest number of students from Africa studying abroad. This is verifiable and I have seen this throughout my working experience in the United States, China, Europe and Australia. I am therefore working on midwifing an agreement behween Nigerian and Australian Ministries of Education for enhanced cooperation and engagement. Partnership would be needed to support educational development especially to address future-oriented skill development, training and improve research methodologies in our relevant institutions.
in line with the above, the High Commission under my stewardship is organising a summit titled ‘Nigeria/AustraIia Business Summit’ in June 2022. The summit will take place in Canberra and Melbourne under the following thematic areas: Mining, Education, Agriculture, Technology and Tourism. The summit will provide a platform for an enlightened discourse on the numerous investment opportunities in both countries and how to leverage on them for mutual benefits.
The idea is to create knowledge and visibility for Nigeria as an investment hub in Africa and unlock the numerous investment opportunities that abound there. The Mission will explore the holding of these sorts of summits in all the countries of the Pacific as well as replicating the Nigeria/Australia Senior Official Talks in these countries. In fact, there is so much to do.
When people say that Nigerians have an incurable desire for success, I think I understand where this is coming from. As the saying goes ‘Naija no dey carry last’.
Imagine Nigerians leaving their country and traveling about 1 3,947 km just to achieve a goal. It’s not for the faint hearted but trust Nigerians, they will always take the bait. I am therefore a very proud High Commissioner here in Australia due to the exploits of our brothers and sisters. Many of them are breaking new boundaries, making a name for themselves and indeed Nigeria. I have visited at least 5 Australian States, aside New Zealand and Fiji and the successes and accomplishments of Nigerians in these shores speak of our staying power, brilliance and the unique zeal to work hard and achieve Success no matter the challenges.
I have also met Nigerian students who are excelling in their academics, pursuing various degree and Ph.D. programmes. Mr. Olabanji Odunsi Osinubi invariably comes fo my mind and stands out. A brilliant Nigerian student, who studied two Professional Accounting Graduate programmes within the same academic year at Torrens University Australia. This is who we are, and there are many Olabanjis in other Universities here. There is also Mr. Cornelius Azolibe, a 25-year-old Nigerian who arrived Australia at the age of 1 4 and now a flying officer-recruit with the Royal Australian Air Force. His pride and accomplishment can be seen with his countenance and the Nigerian seriousness he displays at work. In other Pacific countries, our light continues to shine and may it never dim by the grace of God.
In New Zealand, Grace Nweke, a towering shooter with the Northern Mystics netball team, has made a meteoric rise from a student in 201 9 to a training partner and a fulltime member of the team in less than three years. In 2021 , she set a new ANZ Premiership scoring record and has become a star with her technical ability and strength, displaying a true Nigerian spirit, which is indeed unique.
I also recall with excitement while presenting my Letters of Credence to the President of the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency President RatU Williame Maivalili on 22nd March 2022, I met some exceptional Nigerians in the country. One of them who I can only mention here due to space constraints was Professor Paul A. Iji, currently the Dean of the College of Agriculture. Fisheries and Forestry at the Fiji National University (FNU). He is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of New England, Australia and University of KwaZuluNatal, South Africa. He has been involved in teaching and research in several areas of animal science, including nutrition and animal production systems and has published more than 1 50 journal papers and presented over 180 conference papers. Recently, he was listed among the top 2% of more than 8 million researchers globally.
Professor Olasoji Ajibulu is another person I am proud of, a retired but not tired Associate Professor in Medical Radiation Physics and a former Head of the School of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences of the Fiji National University. The brilliant Professor still represents the Republic of Fiji on many national and international assignments. I found him very useful when I presented my Letters of Credence to the host government. His name opens the way for you while in the Republic.
However. one common decimal that continues to ring from all these people in the diaspora is their desire to be involved in nation building and the political process, so they continue to wonder why some of them are not involved in contributing to the acceleration of our national development like many other countries are doing. This is also a bridge that we will cross together soon, to tast track our efforts towards national development. Indeed, Nigerians are ubiquitous and contributing positively in all human endeavour.
Ambassador Madubike is the High Commissioner of Nigeria to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
Sponsored
Spark News honours Gov Aiyedatiwa, Barau, Kalu, Hanga as Best Performing Governor, Senators
The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has been named Spark News Daily’s Best Performing Governor for 2024.
The Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin (Kano North) Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North) and Senator Rufai Sani Hanga (Kano Central) were also named the Best Performing Senators.
Rising from its first quarterly consultative meeting with editorial board members, staff and associates, the management of Spark Media & Entertainment Ventures, the publisher of Spark News Daily – Nigeria’s most sought-after online newspaper, honoured these prominent Nigerians for their sterling performances in their respective offices.
A statement by Prevail Inegbenose, the Editor-in-Chief of Spark News Daily, on Wednesday 12th February, 2025 and made available to newsmen in Abuja, stated that the versatile Ondo governor was selected after a painstaking review and consideration of his achievements in 2024.
According to the statement, Gov Aiyedatiwa stood out among others with his leadership style, infrastructural developments as well as the massive transformations the Sunshine State had experienced since his assumption of office.
The statement further stated that the varied on-going projects in the State, particularly road constructions, educational revamps and investment in agriculture are clear indications that the governor is on a mission to make Ondo an enviable state among the states of the Federation.
“From 27 December 2023, when he was sworn-in as the governor of Ondo State to the time he was re-elected, up to this day, Gov Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has brought infrastructure and human capital development to the state”.
The governor’s proactive initiatives have positioned Ondo State as an emerging and attracting investment hotspot.
Meanwhile, the Aiyedatiwa-led administration has cultivated a peaceful environment where both residents and businesses can thrive securely.
Sponsored
Akwa Ibom Federal Lawmaker, Jimbo boasts of massive constituency projects as first timer to the House of Representatives [See Lists]
A first time Nigeria House of Representatives member, Honourable Clement Jimbo has boasted that he empowered his constituents with a TIPPER to set an empowerment standard in Nigeria.
Jimbo disclosed this on Tuesday in a chat with selected journalists at his National Assembly‘s office in Abuja.
Rep Jimbo who is representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency in the 10th Assembly said since the history of political empowerment in Nigeria, no politician; President, Governor, Senator, Honourable Members or whoever has given a Tipper to his/or constituents as a result of empowerment.
“I donated a Tipper to “Tipper Loaders Association” in my Constituency in fulfillment to my campaign promises to them. During my campaign, I told them if you support me and i win my election I will make you Tipper owners instead of you to remain loaders and that was what we did in December last year.
“And I equally check it was the first time ever such an empowerment was carried out in the history of Nigeria political empowerment. No Parliamentarian, no governor, no president in the history of empowerment has ever given a Tipper to Constituents Literally that gesture just elevated those who were just loading Tipper to been the owners. Take it or leave it from that moment their standard of living has change and the joy of been a Tipper owners has overwhelmed them, I am happy about .that,” he boasted.
However, Jimbo noted that, none of his predecessors has achieved in four or eight years what he has achieved in less than two years in terms of empowerment and representation.
He also expressed optimism that his bill on the Establishment of the National Commission for Technology Transfer, Acquisition, and Promotion will be passed for third reading in the House and receive assent from the President. Adding that the bill was born out of patriotism to help ramp up the solid minerals of Nigeria and add value to our raw materials.
Rep Jimbo insisted that the bill will add to our GDP and reduce our unemployment rate as well as other beautiful advantages for Nigeria.
“If you look at the Super powers, America, China, Germany, Canada and others, it clearly underscores the essence of the bill. So, I am not worried that the house committee on science and technology is yet to report back to the house for further legislation after a public hearing in December. They are still working on it-remember it has been 2025 budget defence all this while and until the budget is finally pass the committee won’t have chance for other matters
“ As a country you must have what you need to bargain what you want.The core value of the bill was to leverage on our huge population to attract what we do not have to further add value to our raw materials.
“I think the committee on science and technology will do the needful looking at the merits of the bill.”
On the bill to Establish Federal University of Agriculture, Abak, Akwa Ibom which scaled second reading on the floor of the senate, Jimbo commended the senate and particularly the sponsor of the bill.
Reacting to the jack up of the 2025 budget from the initial N49.7trillion to N54.2trilion by the executive, he said it was a pen staking work of the parliamentarians to make sure every development component was captured in the budget and coupled with complaints from the MDAs of inadequate provisions of their 2025 appropriation.
The vice chairman house committee on National Planning and Economy Development said his committee in conjunction with Finance and Appropriation looked at the merits and demerits of the complaints by the MDAs and advised the executive to give attention to grey areas as contained in the complaints. That he said gave birth to the jack up of the 2025 budget.
BELOW ARE SOME ACHIEVEMENTS OF REP. CLEMENT JIMBO AS A FEDERAL LAWMAKER IN LESS THAN TWO YEARS
BILLS
1. A Bill for an act to establish Federal School of Medical Laboratory Science, Midim, Abak Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State. (Passed in the House)
2. A Bill for an act to establish National Commission for Technology Transfer. (Passed 2nd reading)
MOTIONS
1. Motion calling on the FG to construct Obiobom Community Collapsed Bridge, Abak Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
2. Motion for Amendment of 2014 Pension Act.
3. Motion calling on FG to end food insufficiency through Mechanized farming
4. Motion to curtail incessant arrest and detention of journalists in Nigeria.
5. Motion mandating the Inspector General of Police to aide the release of abducted Akwa Ibom State prospective corp members in Zamfara State.
6. Motion mandating the Executive Arm of Government to comply with section 11(1) b of Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007
7. Motion for inclusion of Odukpani-Itu road project in 2025 Appropriation and ensure adequate budgetary provision.
8. Motion for Federal Government to wade into Nkari Communal crisis to restore and maintain peace in the area.
PETITIONS
1. Petitioning of Nigerian Army to pay Compensation to Ibagwa communities land owners.
2. Petitioning of Nigerian Army to release Mfonma Mfon Effiong who was illegally detained in their Barrack.
3. Petitioning of Nigeria Police Force to reinstate one of his constituents, Imo Jackson who was unlawfully dismissed from NPF.
4. Petitioning of Nigerian Army for reinstatement of Mr. Udoekong Inibehe who was unlawfully dismissed from Army.
5. Petition against Discrimination, Victimization and Wrongful Disengagement of Mr. Simon Archibong from service by Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and also call for his reinstatement.
TRAINING/EMPOWERMENT & DISTRIBUTION OF PALLIATIVE
1. Training of 75 Youths on ICT and also empowered them with HP Laptops.
2. Training of 31 Female Youths on Cosmetology and provision of start up grants.
3. Empowerment of 31 constituents with hair dryers and start up grants.
4. Empowerment of 31 constituents with sewing machines and start up grants.
5. Training of 200 youths on Silk Plastering and empowering them with starter pack.
6. Empowerment of four constituents with four first grade Toyota Camry Cars.
7. Distribution of grains as palliatives which includes:
(a) 50 bags of 50kg rice.
(b) 4,500 bags of 10kg rice.
8. Empowerment of 93 Women with 50,000 business grants in Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency
9. Free premium motor spirit distribution to motorist in Abak, Etim Ekpo & Ika Federal Constituency.
10. Distribution of 300 bags of 10kg rice, 300 bags of 10kg garri, 300 bags of 10kg beans, 30 cartons of vegetable oil, 40 cartons of tin tomato, 40 cartons of seasoning, 2 pieces of blankets and 200 pieces of blankets to Flood victims in his constituency.
11. Human Capacity Development Training/Empowerment of 250 Women and Youths in Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency.
12. Empowered Abak Tipper Loaders Association with a Tipper
13. Empowered a Cobbler with half a million naira to support his shoe making business.
FACILITATION OF PERSONABLE JOBS
Federal Government jobs has been facilitated for his Constituents in the following Federal Government Agencies:
1. Nigerian Navy.
2. Nigerian Army
3. Nigeria Police Force.
4. Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps.
5. Federal Civil Service.
6. Federal Capital Territory Administration.
CONSTITUENCY PROJECTS
1. Completion of Abak Village TowwaPHall.
2. Grading of Ediene Abak – Etinan 8.10km road.
3. Installation of hundreds of solar powered street lights in Ediene Abak and Premium FM Avenue, Utu Abak.
4. Solar Powered Borehole, Ikot Oku Ubara, Ediene, Abak Local Government Area.
5. A Block of Six Classrooms at Government Primary School, Ibanang, Ediene, Abak Local Government Area.
6. Solar Powered Borehole, Eka Offiong, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area.
7. A Block of Six Classrooms at Qua Iboe Church Town School, Uruk Ata 2, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area.
8. Solar Powered Borehole at Ikot Abara Village, Ika Local Government Area.
9. A Block of Six Classrooms at Primary School, Ikot Inyang Village, Ika Local Government Area.
10. Installation of solar powered street lights in rural communities of Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency.
11. Grading of roads in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area.
EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT PROGRAMMES
1. Distribution of 100 carton of chalks.
2. Free distribution of 2,500 school bags to pupils in public Schools in Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency.
3. Distribution of 20,000 copies of exercise books.
4. Payment of 50,000 Bursary each to 80 Students of Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency in Tertiary Institutions.
5. Purchased of 80 JAMB forms to prospective candidates and sponsorship of free JAMB classes.
6. Scholarship award to Abak Federal Constituency International and Local Students.
FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH
Free medical treatment/ surgery and distribution of medicines to over 2,500 constituents in Abak, Etim Ekpo and Ika Federal Constituency.
Sponsored
Amangwu Day Celebrations 2024: Launch of Exclusive Line of Branded Amangwu Day 2024 Merchandise
The highly anticipated Amangwu Day Celebrations 2024 is fast approaching, bringing with it a special cultural festival of love, unity and development and the official commissioning of the Amangwu Townhall Project.
In preparation for this monumental event, the Central Planning Committee (CPC) has launched an exclusive line of branded merchandise, including customized t-shirts, caps, hoodies, and tracksuits, among others to promote the Amangwu brand and generate excitement for the Amangwu Day Cultural festival.
In a statement from the CPC Chairman, Amb. Sunday Chibuzo Okereke, the committee warmly invites all Umu-Amangwu, as well as friends of Amangwu and Arochukwu Kingdom, to embrace the spirit of unity, love and cultural pride by sporting these materials as casual wear during this festive season and beyond. These items, available for all, serve as a symbol of solidarity and love for both humanity and community, especially during this Christmas season in celebration of Amangwu Day.
The Amangwu Day Cultural Festival of love, unity and development promises to be a remarkable gathering, celebrating Amangwu’s rich cultural heritage and communal spirit. This year’s event will culminate with the Love Feast Commemorative Ceremony and the long-awaited commissioning of the Amangwu Townhall, a landmark project that reflects the growth and aspirations of the Amangwu people and community.
The Event is Scheduled as follows:
Date: 29th December 2024
Time: 12:00 PM
Venue: Amangwu TownHall Grounds, Amangwu, Arochukwu, Abia State of Nigeria
The CPC looks forward to welcoming all Umu-Amangwu, special guests, and friends from across Arochukwu Kingdom and beyond to join in this joyous occasion. It is an invitation to celebrate not only the cultural richness of Amangwu but also the unbreakable bonds that unite our people, now and for generations to come.
God bless and Prosper Amangwu.
-
Politics1 week agoOpposition leaders announce coalition to challenge Tinubu in 2027
-
Foreign1 week agoHouthis declare Ben-Gurion Airport ‘no longer safe’ after renewed Gaza fighting
-
Politics1 week agoYahaya Bello deceptively arranging recall of Senator Natasha, desperate to replace her – Constituents
-
News1 week agoWhy Christ Embassy’s Pastor Chris holds Abuja mega crusade – Fisho
-
Politics1 week agoAtiku, El-rufai, Obi condemn Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers Governor, demand reversal
-
Business1 week ago20 new millionaires emerge from Fidelity Bank GAIM 6 promo
-
Crime1 week agoGhana’s anti-drug agency nabs Nigerian drug kingpin, Uchechukwu Chima, seizes $2.1m worth of cocaine, heroin
-
News1 week agoUmeh denies receiving $10,000 with other 42 Senators to support state of emergency in Rivers